Estée Lauder Moves to Fully Acquire Luxury Ayurveda Brand Forest Essentials

Estée Lauder Companies announced an agreement to purchase the remaining interest in Forest Essentials, the Indian luxury Ayurveda brand, subject to regulatory clearance, as per news reports. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026. 

Acquisition Details and Leadership Continuity 

The acquisition gives Estée Lauder full ownership of Forest Essentials while the brand’s headquarters remain in New Delhi.  

Founder Mira Kulkarni will continue to lead the company, and her son Samrath Bedi will retain his role as executive director. The operational ecosystem, including research and development and in‑house manufacturing, will stay in India. 

Strategic Rationale for Estée Lauder 

Combining Forest Essentials with Estée Lauder’s portfolio positions India as the group’s largest emerging market.  

The move builds on a partnership that began with a minority investment in 2008 and increased to 49% in 2020.  

The company aims to use its global scale to support Forest Essentials’ growth while preserving its Indian identity. 

Read More: Allied Blenders and Distillers Share Price in Focus; To Acquire Up to 50% Stake in Kion Blenders Industries! 

Brand Position and Market Presence 

Forest Essentials operates close to 200 freestanding stores across India. The brand’s net sales are projected to grow in the low double digits.  

Estée Lauder will retain the brand name, product strategy and price positioning, allowing the existing team to continue developing the portfolio. 

Global Footprint of Estée Lauder 

Estée Lauder sells products in about 150 countries and runs 14 of its 20 brands in the Indian market, covering skincare, makeup and fragrance. 4 brands are created in‑house, while the remainder are acquisitions or partnerships. 

Conclusion 

The transaction gives Estée Lauder full control of Forest Essentials while keeping the brand’s operations, leadership and Indian heritage intact, supporting its planned expansion in domestic and international markets. 

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